A GRAND reward has been offered for the safe return of stolen cockatoo Cocky Procter.

Generous Jim Burrows was so touched on hearing the bird was snatched from his owner’s home, he’s digging deep and offering £1,000 to see him reunited with heartbroken Les Procter.

Mr Burrows, 65, heard about the news from Mr Procter’s grandaughter and, having owned parrots himself in the past, felt the pensioner’s anguish.

Cocky, who is worth £1,000, was taken from the home of his owner Les Proctor, in Blaydon, during the early hours of Wednesday.

The silver-tongued Greater Sulphur-crested cockatoo has spent more than five decades living with Les and has been trained to say “Cocky Proctor” as well as “good morning” and “giv’uz a cup of tea”.

Mr Burrows, a builder, from Hazeldene, Kenton Bar, said: “I’m a friend of Les’s and I know the cockatoo.

“It hit me right in the stomach when I heard the news – I know how upsetting it is as I have owned parrots and they become part of the family.

“It’s gutless and cruel whoever took him, but I just want to see him safely returned home. I would have been devastated if that had ever happened to me in the past.

“Cocky has been with Les for 54 years, he’s a massive part of his life and it’s just awful to think of him losing that.

“I sincerely hope this reward prompts whoever took Cocky to return him. He’s worth £1,000, so whoever has him won’t get any more than that.”

Within hours of Cocky’s sad tale appearing in yesterday’s Chronicle, two animal-lovers had offered a reward, including Mr Burrows. Susan Haw, of Hertfordshire, who read about the much-loved cockatoo on our website and also wanted to help, offered £100 for his safe return.

Mum-of-two Susan said: “It is heartbreaking for Les. I felt so sorry for him when I read about what had happened. I live so far away, but I desperately wanted to help.

“It is awful that his friend has been taken away from him.”

After hearing about Susan’s generous donation, Les and his family say they will also put up £100.

Widowed Les, 86, of Stella, said: “It is very nice of this lady to donate her money. I’m lost without my pet. He is my life-long friend and I want him back safely.”

Les, who was in the Merchant Navy for 22 years, bought Cocky as a chick 54 years ago from Paddy’s Market, in Sydney, Australia.

Step-grandson Edward Daley, 61, who lives with Les, said: “It is fantastic to think there are lovely people out there prepared to do this.”